The Number That Actually Matters

Most people look at total payout when choosing which surveys to take. That is the wrong metric. A $4 healthcare survey that takes 28 minutes pays less per minute than a $2.50 technology survey that takes 12 minutes. When you are trying to maximise earnings across a limited time window, reward per minute is everything.

Here is how the major survey categories stack up in 2026, based on average completion times and payouts across our panel.

1. Healthcare & Pharmaceutical — $0.24/min

These are the premium studies. Pharmaceutical companies, medical device manufacturers, and insurance providers need specialised respondent populations — caregivers, patients with specific conditions, healthcare professionals. If you qualify, the reward is substantial. Studies typically run 15–25 minutes and pay $3.50–$6.00.

Who qualifies: People with chronic conditions, caregivers, anyone who recently had a significant medical procedure.

2. Financial Services — $0.21/min

Banks, insurance companies, and fintech startups run continuous attitude tracking on their products. If you hold investment accounts, have recently applied for credit, or make decisions about household finances, you qualify for a disproportionate share of these studies.

Typical payout: $2.80–$4.50 for 15–20 minutes.

3. B2B and Professional — $0.20/min

Small business owners, managers with purchasing authority, IT decision-makers — companies pay a significant premium to reach these audiences because they are hard to find through standard consumer channels. If you make purchasing decisions at work, this category is worth your attention.

4. Technology & Consumer Electronics — $0.18/min

High volume, decent pay. Tech brands test product concepts, UI preferences, and purchase intent throughout the year. The studies are usually conversational and not too demanding. Good for everyday fill-in income.

5. Food & Beverage — $0.15/min

High frequency, lower per-minute rate, but volume compensates. Consumer packaged goods brands run more surveys than almost any other sector. If your profile shows regular grocery shopping or food preferences, expect frequent invitations.

6. Travel & Hospitality — $0.17/min

Better than Food & Beverage, seasonal in distribution. Studies peak in Q1 (holiday planning) and Q3 (summer travel). If you travel at least twice per year for leisure or business, keep this category enabled in your profile.

7. Media & Entertainment — $0.13/min

Lower payout, but enjoyable content — you are usually reacting to ads, trailers, or show concepts. Good for low-effort sessions when you want something easy.

Practical takeaway: Fill in your healthcare history, financial product ownership, and any professional purchasing authority in your profile. Even if only one in five studies qualifies you for a premium category, those studies will account for a disproportionate share of your total earnings.